Call the council if you need sandbags – don’t take them from established defence walls.

That’s the message from Thames Valley Police who have been working with councils, emergency services and the Environment Agency to help protect vulnerable areas and prevent flooding.

They are also urging motorists and householders not to take unnecessary risks in flood water.

So far, Reading Borough Council has distributed 1,000 sandbags in the Circuit Lane, Crane Wharf and Island Road areas.

It has also distributed 350 sandbags to West Berkshire Council and the military, which have been used at the Pingewood Electricity Distribution Station to build a sandbag wall to protect the station.

Road users are being reminded to heed ‘road closed’ signs and residents should be aware water can often be deeper than it looks.

Assistant chief constable Chris Shead said: “The flooding in the whole of the Thames Valley has been declared a major incident, which is declared when an incident requires a significant multi-agency response.

“We are once again appealing for motorists and residents to take a common sense approach and not to ignore road closures already in place.

“The water is often deeper than it looks and can be fast moving, so please do not take these unnecessary risks.”

He added: “I want to thank all the people continuing to work hard in these challenging conditions and assure communities we will continue to work around the clock to help protect homes and businesses.”

NHS England’s Thames Valley Area Team has also issued guidance to people affected by flooding in the area.

They urge people to wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with flood water, as it can become contaminated.

And anyone evacuated from their property should ensure they take essential medicines and personal health items with them and take warm clothing.

NHS staff are working to identify and check on the wellbeing of vulnerable patients who live in flooded areas.

Anyone needing any non-emergency health support or advice should call their local GP or ring the NHS 111 service.